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Constitutional Law Study Aids on Reserve
by Nicole Wagner, 1L CALI: Computer Assisted Learning Instruction http://www2.cali.org (See Reference or Circulation for password) This computer-based study aid will allow you to study Constitutional Law anytime and anywhere an internet connection is available. After following the quick and easy steps to register, you can choose from various lessons on Constitutional Law including lessons on the dormant commerce clause, the due process clause and the federal commerce power. Although the lessons themselves can be a time consuming endeavor they are extremely helpful in identifying which topics you have mastered and which topics you need clarification on. Constitutional Law Stories Although it is definitely not the best study resource this book does provide intriguing in depth analysis of the court’s most pinnacle cases. Each chapter in the book focuses on a specific case that brought forth a new interpretation of the Constitution and discusses how that interpretation shaped American society. This is an excellent source for those who cannot get enough of constitutional law and are dying to know more about a particular case, but is not a great source for those just trying to pass the exam. Constitutional Law, 2nd Ed. The Roadmap is not only an excellent resource to consult when beginning your outline but also an excellent resource to test your understanding of key constitutional law concepts leading up to the exam. From a skeleton outline, to black letter law, to case summaries, to practice exam questions and exam tips this study guide has it all. Constitutional Law, 7th ed. Like the Roadmap, this guide may be used throughout your exam preparation process. The table of contents can serve as skeleton outline to organize your notes and your thoughts and the capsule summary highlights all of the important black letter law. Throughout each chapter there are examples that demonstrate how and when concepts should be applied and at the end of each chapter there are review questions to test your understanding on the topic. Also, there is a full length practice exam in the appendix that enables you to not only test your knowledge on topics but also gain insight on how issues may be presented on your exam. Constitutional Law: Principles & Policies, 3rd ed. This treatise is often viewed as the go to source for students trying to navigate the complexities of Constitutional Law. Although it is a larger book and may not be best source for creating an outline it is the best source to turn to if you are unable to grasp a specific concept. The concepts addressed in the book are presented through questions such as: “How should the Constitution be interpreted?” and “What does the 11th Amendment mean?” In answering the questions presented throughout the book Chemerinsky provides the reader with the black letter law from the cases as well as an in depth contextual analysis surrounding each case which significantly aids in the reader’s overarching understanding of the issue. Constitutional Law: National Power and Federalism Unlike most of the other topics covered by the Examples & Explanations Series the Constitutional Law series includes two separate titles: Individual Rights and National Power & Federalism. Accordingly, in order to get a full understanding of all of the topics covered in your course you will need to review them both. Topics included in the National Power & Federalism title are judicial review, congressional power, justiciability, powers of the national government, separation of powers, dormant commerce clause, and the privileges & immunities clause. Like all of the other books in the Examples & Explanations Series this books is an excellent source for exam preparation but since there are two titles to cover it may take you a bit longer to work through them so it is best to start reviewing them early in your exam preparation. Questions & Answers: Constitutional Law Like the title proclaims this book is full of question & answers on constitutional law. This book is a great pre-exam source to get you analyzing issue and synthesizing your thoughts. Questions included in the book cover all of the key issues addressed in your constitutional law course including questions on justiciability, separation of powers, federalism, substantive & procedural due process and equal protection. To further in your understanding of the issue the answers provided to the questions not only include analysis on the correct answer but also include explanations on why the other options are incorrect. Although a helpful resource for everyone, this source is particularly helpful for those taking an exam that includes multiple choice questions. Principles of Constitutional Law 2nd ed. Much smaller than the original hornbook this somewhat concise version is just as helpful as its larger counterpart and much easier to navigate. Although the summary of contents may be a good source for a skeleton outline this book is best used to aid in synthesizing your understanding of a particular topic. Each chapter’s introduction provides an overview of the court’s actions on a particular topic followed by analysis of the cases in light of the historical context that enables the reader to get the big picture surrounding a particular concept. If there are holes in your outline this may be the source to fill them. Constitutional Analysis in a Nutshell 2nd ed. Similar to the rest of the books in the Nutshell Series this book is small in size but mighty in content. Although most often used as a quick reference guide for black letter law, this Nutshell includes an entire section on theory that contains helpful information on how to interpret the Constitution and past court rulings. So, if you understand the overarching concepts of constitutional law but are still having issues on how to apply the concepts on an exam this may be the source for you. Also, it includes a copy of the Constitution in the back if you are looking to read the actual text rather than an interpretation. Constitutional Law: Individual Rights The topics included in Individual Rights are substantive due process, the takings clause, procedural due process, equal protection and First Amendment freedoms. Each chapter provides an overview of a specific topic, includes examples and explanations to aid in clarifying the issues surrounding the topic, and then provides you with questions to test your understanding of the topic. Like all of the other books in the Examples & Explanations Series, these books are excellent for exam preparation but since there are two titles to cover it may take you a bit longer to work through so it is best to start working with these titles early in your exam preparation.
 » Exams and Study Aids Home » More Research Links Last updated: 4/24/2008
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